Are you ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a meal that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Welcome to the world of "Popular Healthy Instant Pot One Pot Meals"! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a wholesome dish that serves four, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Imagine tender chicken breast, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant mixed vegetables all cooked to perfection in one pot, infusing your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, keep reading to discover how to make this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Quinoa
- Vegetable broth
- Mixed vegetables
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, mincing fresh garlic, and selecting your preferred mixed vegetable blend.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add olive oil. Heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add cubed chicken breast to the pot, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add quinoa, stirring to combine and prevent sticking.
- Add mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and quinoa mixture, creating an even layer.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on chicken thickness and quinoa package instructions.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open lid, fluff quinoa with a fork, and check chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Let meal rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, dice the chicken and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, so they're ready to go when you start cooking.
- Choose Your Veggies: Feel free to customize your mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand. Fresh, frozen, or even leftover veggies work well, adding both flavor and nutrients to the dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the garlic and chicken before pressure cooking enhances the overall flavor of the meal.
- Check Cooking Times: Depending on the thickness of your chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Fluff It Up: After cooking, use a fork to fluff the quinoa. This will help separate the grains and give your dish a light, airy texture.
- Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the flavors and presentation of your meal.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
